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Tired of your oatmeal bowl routine for breakfast? Switch up your routine with this breakfast quinoa bowl recipe. Quinoa isn’t only for savory dishes.
Starting your day off with this breakfast quinoa bowl has numerous potential health benefits since it is loaded with fiber and plant-based protein. In fact, numerous studies support the benefits of eating a healthy breakfast.
Those who consume breakfast are much more likely to hit the recommended daily intake targets for dietary fiber, protein, and micronutrients.
If you are tired of eggs, oatmeal, or cereal – add variety to your breakfast routine with these quinoa bowls. It doesn’t take long to make and you can easily meal prep several servings at once.
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What is Quinoa and What Does it Taste Like?
Quinoa is a whole grain that became a superfood superstar a few years ago and remains wildly popular since it is packed with nutrients like fiber, protein, and nutrients like folate, zinc, and iron.
The flavor of quinoa is mild; most describe it as nutty and earthy.
Unlike other whole grains, quinoa is considered a complete source of plant-based protein since it provides an adequate amount of all the essential amino acids.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Quinoa: use uncooked, dried quinoa for this sweet quinoa breakfast bowl recipe. You can find it in the bulk section at the grocery store or look for it with the other packaged grains or dried beans.
- Almond Milk: use a vanilla flavored almond milk or other plant-based milk (oat milk, coconut milk, soy milk) of your choice. If you aren’t using flavored milk, add ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract to your quinoa when cooking.
- Cinnamon: a dash of cinnamon adds just the right amount of spice and warmness to this quinoa recipe. Other delicious spice options include: pumpkin pie spice, apple pie spice, nutmeg, and ginger.
- Maple Syrup (Optional): add a little sweetness to this delicious quinoa breakfast bowl by stirring in a tablespoon of pure maple syrup. You can also use honey or an alternative sweetener like stevia if you prefer.
- Toppings: add variety to your morning bowl of quinoa by adding different toppings like fresh fruit, chopped nuts, nut butter, seeds, hemp seeds and more.
Variations
- Apple Cinnamon: add 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon and chopped apples to the quinoa when cooking. Top with more apples and cinnamon to serve.
- Savory: make savory quinoa breakfast bowls by using a plain milk or broth to cook the quinoa and omitting the cinnamon and maple syrup. Instead, season with salt and pepper and stir in about 1/4 cup parmesan cheese. Top with a fried egg, avocado, cherry tomatoes.
- Zucchini Bread: add 1/2 cup shredded zucchini to the base quinoa recipe when cooking. Top with chopped walnuts and more cinnamon to serve.
Tools For This Recipe
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How to Make a Power Breakfast Quinoa Bowl
- Rinse Quinoa: add your quinoa to a fine-mesh strainer and rinse well under cold running water before adding to your saucepan.
- Simmer: Add the almond milk and cinnamon to the rinsed quinoa in a small saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid has absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
Why Should You Rinse Quinoa?
You should rinse quinoa before cooking because quinoa has a natural coating called saponin that has a bitter taste.
Add your dried quinoa to a fine mesh strainer and run under cold water for a few seconds to help remove it.
Can You Eat Quinoa for Breakfast?
We love eating quinoa for breakfast! Even though most of us are familiar with quinoa in savory dishes, it works just as well as a sweet breakfast option too.
The mild nutty flavor of quinoa pairs well with cinnamon, fruit, nuts, and more for a filling breakfast option.
Is Quinoa Low Calorie?
No, quinoa is not considered a low calorie food as 1 cup of cooked quinoa provides 222 calories. However, quinoa is high in fiber which is associated with weight management and may help you lose weight as part of a balanced diet.
If you’re looking for lower-calorie options, check out my list of the best filling low-calorie meals!
Breakfast Quinoa Bowl
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa
- 1 1/2 cups vanilla almond milk unsweetened, plain almond milk works too
- A sprinkle of cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
- 1/2 cup fresh berries
Optional Toppings
- Chia seeds, Greek yogurt, agave nectar, nuts, etc.
Instructions
- Rinse 1/2 cup uncooked quinoa thoroughly. Bring quinoa to a boil with 1 cup of the almond milk (reserving 1/2 cup for later). Add in a dash of cinnamon and sea salt. Cover and let simmer for 15 minutes until cooked.
- Wash and slice berries or other toppings as you let the quinoa cook.
- Fluff quinoa with a fork and add in additional almond milk until you get a desired oatmeal like consistency.
- Top breakfast quinoa with berries and other toppings of your choosing. ENJOY!
